At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead reviews for vulnerable children, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
- Company: Hampshire County Council, dedicated to improving lives of children and families.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and a commitment to safeguarding and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with leadership experience in children's social care.
The predicted salary is between 51948 - 57423 £ per year.
Salary Range: £51,948 - £57,423 per annum (inclusive of Market Supplement of £3000 per annum)
Work Location: Basingstoke, Andover, Totton or Eastleigh, Hampshire (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37 (flexible working hours will be considered)
Contract Type: 12-month fixed term contract (Maternity cover) from October 2026
Closing Date: 12 August 2026
Interview Date: 19 or 25 August 2026
The Role: As an Independent Reviewing Officer, you'll play a vital role in improving the lives of vulnerable children and young people. You'll lead statutory reviews for children in care and chair Child Protection Conferences (CPCs), ensuring every child has a clear, robust plan that supports their safety, stability and long-term wellbeing. Working independently, you'll champion high standards across Children's Services, driving quality through strong oversight, constructive challenge and effective partnership working. Using your knowledge of current legislation and statutory guidance, you'll ensure care plans are timely and truly focused on the needs of each child.
What you'll do:
- Chair Child Protection Conferences across Hampshire, bringing professionals together to make well-informed, child-centred decisions.
- Lead and oversee statutory reviews for children in care, working collaboratively with foster carers, residential workers, social workers and families.
- Monitor the implementation of care plans and child protection plans, ensuring needs and risk are well managed and actions are progressing in the child's best interests.
- Promote excellent care planning and safeguarding practice, ensuring compliance with regulations, legislation, policies and procedures.
- Provide constructive professional challenge and feedback, supporting continuous improvement across the service.
- Travel to attend in-person meetings and complete reviews across the country when required.
What we're looking for:
- Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
- Relevant leadership experience in children's social care, including providing social work supervision and support.
- Strong knowledge of relevant children's legislation relating to Children Looked After and Child Protection procedures.
- Able to chair multi-agency meetings, assess risks and make informed decisions in complex situations.
- Confident with offering constructive feedback and a critical, reflecting perspective based on legislation and best practice.
- Able to work flexibly to meet the needs of children and young people.
Why join us?
- Make a real difference to the lives of children and young people in care, knowing that your efforts can create a lasting impact and enhance their quality of life.
- Work in a collaborative, supportive environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Enjoy flexible working options, including a 9-day fortnight and hybrid arrangements to support your work-life balance.
- Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
- Competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date. Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK.
Travel Requirements: You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight or other local authority, and it is essential that you have a current drivers' licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.
Vetting Requirements: The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children's Services, references will be requested prior to interview.
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
Independent Reviewing Officer in Southampton employer: CIH International Housing Group
Porchlight is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals in North Kent. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer generous annual leave, a supportive pension scheme, and access to mental health resources, all within a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our focus on professional development ensures that our staff have ample opportunities for growth while working in a hands-on role that truly makes a difference in the community.
Contact Details:
CIH International Housing Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing Officer in Southampton
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to CIH International Housing Group, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Reviewing Officer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of CIH International Housing Group. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at CIH International Housing Group. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at CIH International Housing Group
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with CIH International Housing Group.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Independent Reviewing Officer role at CIH International Housing Group, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show CIH International Housing Group that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
